Do you know who is the richest female rapper in the world? Have you ever wondered who has the most money in this field? Or who has made the most money in rap music?
Hip-hop has its own distinct culture that sets it apart from other music subcultures. Female rap musicians are just one example of the many who have contributed to the genre’s present prominence. You may not recognize their contributions as highly as men’s, but they are nonetheless essential.
Women’s participation in the workforce was largely unwelcome at first. But instead of giving up, these ladies continued at it. Female rappers now rank among the world’s wealthiest rappers, so their perseverance, concentration, and effort have paid off handsomely.
So without further ado, let’s look at the world’s richest female rapper.
The Top 20 Richest Female Rapper In The World
Who is the richest female rapper in the world? The answer is the American rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. She has a net worth of $130 million. She’s earned her wealth through her successful music career, endorsements, and other business ventures like fashion clothing lines.
However, other female rappers with wealth rival Minaj. So, let’s look at the top 20 richest female rappers in the world.
① Nicki Minaj – $130 Million
Rap is one of the few musical styles that openly celebrates ostentation, luxury, and affluence. Rappers like Nicki Minaj are held to a standard of living that the rest of us can only envy, and she has consistently exceeded those expectations with her wealth.
Although she hasn’t even reached the age of 40 yet, Minaj has amassed a staggering $130 million in wealth, making her the wealthiest female rapper in the industry.
Known by her birth name, Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, American rapper, singer, and songwriter Nicki Minaj was born in Trinidad. She has gained notoriety in rap for her incisive lyricism, alluring rap flows, and creative usage of aliases and accents.
In 2007, Dirty Money Entertainment signed Minaj to a 180-day contract. She dropped three mixtapes during this time; the third, “Beam Me Up Scotty,” was the one that caught the attention of fellow rap star Lil Wayne.
Her breakthrough occurred after she joined Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label and released her debut album, “Pink Friday,” in 2010. Songs like “Your Love,” “Moment 4 Life,” “Super Bass,” and “Check It Out” were among the album’s earliest chart toppers.
② Queen Latifah – $70 Million
Queen Latifah is the second wealthiest female rapper in the world, with a net worth of $70 million. Born Dana Elaine Owens, the American actor, singer, and songwriter, has been credited for helping to pave the way for other female rappers.
In 1989, she released her debut album, “All Hail the Queen,” which was certified gold by the R.I.A.A. She released her second album, “Nature of a Sista,” in 1991, but it wasn’t until 1993 that she really began to gain recognition for her talent. The album “Black Reign” was well-received and featured songs like “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Just Another Day.”
Latifah has won numerous awards for her work, both in music and film. She is a recipient of two Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. Additionally, she was nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Chicago.
③ Missy Elliott – $50 Million
Melissa Arnette Elliot, better known by her stage name as Missy Elliot, is worth $50 million as a producer and rapper. She was born on July 1, 1971, in Portsmouth, Virginia. From age four, she showed an interest in performance, even though those in her immediate vicinity largely ignored her dedication.
As a result of her doggedness, she and three of her friends eventually formed the performance ensemble Fayze. By the end of 1990, the band had already recorded some demo tracks, thanks to her efforts to enlist a neighbor friend as producer.
The following year, the group’s acapella performances caught the notice of producer DeVante Swing. Changing their name to “Sista,” the band immediately moved to New York City and signed with Elektra Records.
Missy, eager to launch her solo career, made her debut on Sean “Puffy” Combs’s remix of “The Things That You Do” featuring a rap from her. While Combs was interested in signing Elliot to his label, she ultimately decided to sign with EastWestRecords.
Five different people put their faith in Elliot for a Grammy in late 2005, but he came away with only two victories: “Best Short Form Video” and “Best Rap Song.” Her smash hit “We Run This” was nominated for “Best Solo Performance” the following year.
④ Cardi B – $40 Million
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, better known as Cardi B, is one of the most prolific rappers in the industry today. The 30-year-old American rapper has a net worth estimated at $40 million.
Cardi B made her name by often posting on social media platforms such as Vine and Instagram. She used those platforms to showcase her talent, comedic timing, and relatability. Quickly becoming viral, this eventually made it onto the 2015 season of “Love & Hip Hop: New York” on VH1.
Her “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol 1” and “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol 2” mixtapes were released in 2015. In 2016, she released her debut single, “Bodak Yellow,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song made Cardi B the second female rapper to ever top the chart without any features in a lead single since 1998.
Cardi B has since released multiple successful singles and albums, such as her single “W.A.P.” with Megan Thee Stallion, which has since broken numerous streaming records. She is also nominated for a record-breaking twelve awards at the 2021 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most prominent female rappers in music today.
⑤ Bhad Bhabie – $20 Million
Bhad Bhabie, otherwise known as Danielle Bregoli, gained notoriety in 2016 after appearing on the Dr. Phil show and uttering the now-famous catchphrase “catch me outside, how about that?” Since then, she has become one of the most talked about teenage celebs who is currently a rapper and social media star.
At just 17 years old, she is one of the youngest female rappers to make it big in music and continues to captivate her millions of fans with her style and attitude. From music albums to clothing lines, Bhad Bhabie tackles all her ventures with poise and confidence. Her fans look on, raising their voice with admiration for this young talent who continues to share her views with an always-listening audience.
With a net worth of $20 million, Bhad Bhabie is one of the richest female rappers in the world. She has released multiple hit singles like “Hi Bich” and “Hi Kiyo.” Plus, she collaborated with several other artists, such as Ty Dolla $ign and Y.G.
Her debut album “15” debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Top 200 and entered numerous other charts worldwide. She also released a documentary in 2020 titled “Bhanned in the U.S.A.” It documented her rise to fame and her successes up until that point.
⑥ Sandra Denton- $15 Million
Sandra Denton, better known by her stage name P.E.P.A., is an American actress and hip-hop musician with a $15 million fortune. It’s been since 1985 that Pepa has been performing as a rapper. Her first role as an actress was in 1992. A part of the legendary female rap group Salt-N-Pepa, she has achieved widespread fame as a solo artist.
Denton and Cheryl “Salt” James met while they were both in college. They eventually dropped a record called “The Showstopper,” which was a mild success on the R&B charts. In 1986, Deidra “Spinderella” Roper became a band member.
The group has so far put out five albums, including “Hot, Cool, and Vicious,” “A Salt with a Deadly Pepa,” “Blacks’ Magic,” and “Brand New.” This band called it quits in 2002.
You may recognize Pepa from her roles in movies and T.V. shows, including “First Time Felon,” “Oz,” Are We There Yet?” “The Salt N’ Pepa Show,” and “Let’s Talk About Pep.”
⑦ Iggy Azalea – $15 Million
Iggy Azalea is one of the biggest music stars of our time. This Australian recording artist began her career in 2010 when she released singles online for free. Although her fans and detractors are sometimes at odds, Iggy Azalea is undeniably successful as a musician.
At the age of 14, Iggy began rapping in her native Australia. She uprooted and moved to the U.S. to chase her dream of being a successful musician.
She was a member of the Dungeons for a long time before striking out on her own. Then, she began to establish herself as a powerful force in hip-hop music and has since become a Grammy-nominated artist who has produced some of the most popular singles of all time.
From her breakthrough 2013 album, “The New Classic,” to her 2019 “E.P. Wicked Lips” and 2020 mixtape “Endlessly,” Iggy Azalea’s genre-defying sound has kept fans and critics eager to hear what she’s creating next.
She has been recognized for her efforts with four awards: three from Billboard, two from the American Music Awards, and one from the People’s Choice. Iggy’s net worth is reported to be $15 million.
⑧ Cheryl James – $ 14 million
Cheryl James, better known by her stage name Salt, is an American rapper and one of the founding members of the hip-hop group “Salt-N-Pepa.” With a net worth of $14 million, she is currently the sixth richest female rapper in the world.
James and Sandra Denton met while both were students at Queensborough Community College in New York City. They eventually released their debut album, “Hot, Cool & Vicious,” which went triple platinum and won them their first Grammy Award. The group then released several successful albums, including “A Salt with a Deadly Pepa,” “Blacks’ Magic,” and “Brand New.”
They are also credited with being the first female rap group to get certified gold and platinum. Apart from her music career, James has made numerous television appearances, including a two-season stint on “The Salt N’ Pepa Show” and guest spots on shows such as “Are We There Yet?” and “Let’s Talk About Pep.”
She is also an accomplished businesswoman and entrepreneur, having founded her own clothing line and launching multiple businesses.
⑨ M.I.A. – $14 Million
As everyone knows, M.I.A. is a musical genius. Despite the fact that she’s responsible for some of the most successful songs of the last decade, only some people are familiar with her background in the music business.
Maya Arulpragasam turned down her first film role while still in school. Instead of finishing what would become known as “Maya’s Documentary” (about young Tamils), this excellent designer created album covers for English bands like Elastica for their song “The Bitch Don’t Work” because she was afraid to work near Jaffna Airport during conflict operations in 2001.
She later joined the music group “Sound of London,” but her real success came in 2004 when she released her first album, “Arular.” This award-winning album not only topped the U.K. charts and earned her two Grammy nominations but also made M.I.A. one of the most successful female rappers in history, with a net worth of $14 million.
M.I.A.’s success continued in 2007 when her second album, Kala, was released to international acclaim. This album gave us some hit songs like “Paper Planes” and “Boyz,” which were featured in many movie soundtracks and reached number 4 on the U.K. Singles chart.
M.I.A. continues to create music and make waves in the industry, proving that she is one of the leading female rappers with a net worth estimated at $14 million.
⑩ DJ Spinderella – $10 Million
DJ Spinderella is a revered force within the world of hip-hop and rap. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1970 as Deidra Muriel Roper, she first gained fame as the D.J. for Salt-N-Pepa. While there, she made her mark with beats and scratches that spanned various genres, from R&B to pop.
Her 1987 hit single “Push It” helped pave the way for successful musicians of all backgrounds to be accepted into the world of hip-hop and rap. Spinderella’s influence allowed new sounds to be embraced by rap music fans, making her one of the most important figures in hip-hop culture.
Her career spans over 3 decades, having done private performances, interviews, panel discussions at festivals, and even reality shows. Today her career continues to evolve while always staying true to her roots with innovative D.J. sets and mixes that pay homage to her expansive history within hip-hop culture. With a net worth of $10 million, DJ Spinderella is the eighth richest female rapper in the world.
⑪ Eve – $10 Million
Eve is a female hip-hop artist who is best known for her early 2000s rap hits, such as “What Ya Want,” and Grammy award-winning collaborations with Alicia Keys on “Gangsta Lovin‘ and Gwen Stefani on “Let Me Blow Ya Mind.”
Eve has released several successful studio albums throughout her career, including the acclaimed “Let There Be Eve,” “Ruff Ryders First Lady (1999),” “Scorpion (2001),” and “Here I Am (2007).” On top of her solo work, she has featured on many songs by other artists, most notably Missy Elliott’s “Hot Boyz.”
Her business savvy has also seen her launch a successful clothing line called Fetish, which has become a multi-million dollar enterprise. She is also the host of “The Talk” on C.B.S. and owns her own record label, From the Rib Music.
With an estimated net worth of $10 million, Eve has been a huge inspiration to many and helped pave the way for hip-hop music in mainstream media.
⑫ MC Lyte – $8 Million
MC Lyte is an American emcee and hip-hop artist who has enjoyed a nearly four decades-long career. After making her debut in 1988 with the album “Lyte as a Rock,” MC Lyte immediately made waves in an otherwise male-dominated industry.
She has been recognized multiple times for her achievements, including becoming the first female rapper to receive a Grammy Award nomination and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Not content to rest on her laurels, she made television and screen acting appearances, released several more albums, and even clinched a position in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. There’s no doubt that she will leave an enduring legacy for generations of rap fans to come.
⑬ Megan Thee Stallion – $8 Million
Even though Megan Thee Stallion is one of the more recent names here, she has already accomplished a lot in her short career. She has 33.9 regular Spotify listeners because her music is so well-liked online.
It was around the age of 14 that she first attempted rhyme. She only exhibited her musical talent to her writing mother when she was 18, and she made her promise to hold off on a music career until she was 21.
Megan finally got what she worked for after a lengthy wait. She was honored with three Grammys, six B.E.T. Awards, and four A.M.A.s. Moreover, she already has $8 million in wealth at such an early stage in her career.
⑭ Trina – $6 Million
Katrina “Trina” Taylor, who has been called the most consistent female rapper by certain media, is another major personality who has inspired many women to pursue careers in hip-hop. They sold over 700,000 copies of Trina’s first solo album and over 300,000 copies of her subsequent L.P.s.
In 1998, she got her big break when she was included on Trick Daddy’s smash track “Nann.” Katrina then struck out on her own and achieved fame independently.
Trina has received numerous nominations over her career. She also had appearances in several movies and T.V. shows. Currently, she is worth $6 million.
⑮ Remy Ma – $4 Million
Remy Ma is a multi-talented Hip Hop artist, singer-songwriter, and actress, who has been in the entertainment industry since the late 1990s. She rose to fame as an original member of Terror Squad Entertainment and released her highly acclaimed debut solo album; There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story, in 2006.
The success of this album earned her two Grammy nominations and cemented her status as one of rap and hip hop’s most talented female stars. Remy Ma is known for her intense yet honest lyricism — she chronicles the tribulations faced by women, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.
She has consistently challenged stereotypes about female rappers, building a reputation for being unafraid to address topics not ordinarily seen in the genre. With an estimated net worth of $4 million, Remy Ma inspires female rappers everywhere.
⑯ Saweetie – $4 Million
Saweetie is an American rapper, songwriter, and singer who has risen to success since her debut single, “Icy Girl.” Before this breakthrough release, Saweetie studied communication at the University of Southern California and was an aspiring businesswoman. She made it her mission to become a successful artist without forsaking her ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, exemplified by founding two companies: Icy Culture and Icy Records.
As an artist, Saweetie brings witty wordplay and infectious melodies to her music, which explores themes such as resilience, hard work, and female empowerment. Some of her popular songs include “My Type,” “Tap In,” and “Best Friend,” featuring Doja Cat.
She has collaborated with numerous artists, including Quavo from Migos, Pop Smoke, Jhené Aiko, and Tory Lanez, while working with producers like Timbaland and Mustard. Thanks to these collaborations, she has become one of the most recognized up-and-coming female rappers in the industry today.
⑰ Foxy Brown – $3 Million
Foxy Brown is a legendary rapper who has been a major influence in the hip-hop world for over two decades and counting. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Foxy Brown made her debut as a young teen with her acclaimed album “Ill Na Na.”
Her signature style of lyrical finesse and vocal flows wowed fans across the globe and helped contribute to the late 90s era of female rap stars. Throughout her career, Foxy Brown has released four successful albums and many popular mixtapes that have earned her both critical and commercial acclaim.
Her hard-hitting rhymes, charismatic flow, and dynamic presence have made her one of the most recognizable female rappers in the industry. Foxy Brown’s impact on the hip-hop world cannot be understated; she continues to be an inspiration today for aspiring female M.C.s worldwide. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Foxy Brown is a true rap mogul.
Foxy Brown holds her own with the greatest female rappers in history and has more than earned her spot as one of hip-hop’s most successful female artists. As she continues to make music and inspire up-and-coming rappers, she has solidified her legacy as the richest female rapper in the world. With her hard-hitting rhymes, vibrant presence, and unwavering ambition,
Foxy Brown is set to continue inspiring people for years to come.
⑱ Azealia Banks – $2 Million
Azealia Banks is a Grammy-nominated rapper and singer from Harlem, New York. She first gained notoriety for her single “212,” thanks to its catchy hook and provocative music video. Since then, she has released four full-length albums — Broke with Expensive Taste, Slay-Z, Fantasea II: The Second Wave, and Yung Rapunxel. All of which have been praised for her unique lyricism and production.
Her music has an eclectic sound that draws from different genres, including rap, trap, hip-hop, grime, and dancehall. Azealia Banks is also a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community; in 2016, she released the single “The Big Big Beat ” as a tribute to the L.G.B.T. community.
With an estimated net worth of $2 million, Azealia Banks is one of the richest female rappers in the world. Her skillful wordplay and collaborative projects have cemented her status as a hip-hop icon, inspiring many up-and-coming female rappers to continue pushing boundaries in the industry.
Azealia Banks is set to keep evolving and creating music that resonates with fans all around the world. It makes her one of the most successful and influential female artists in hip-hop today.
⑲ Young M.A – $2 Million
Young M.A. has been making waves in the hip-hop world since her debut single, “O.O.O.U.U.U.,” put her on the map in 2016. Born Katorah Marrero in Brooklyn, New York, she began writing and performing rap when she was as young as nine years old. She has since made a name for herself through her impressive lyrical flow and hard-hitting beats, carving out a niche in the rap scene that continues to garner respect.
In 2018, Young M.A. accepted nominations for the B.E.T. Awards’ Best Female Hip Hop Artist. Her signature “YoungM A be like” adlibs reinforce her strong presence on social media, further proof of her influence within the industry.
With her unique talent and personal style, it’s easy to see why Young M.A. will continue to make history as one of the most successful female hip-hop artists of this decade.
⑳ Kash Doll – $2 Million
Kash Doll is a multi-faceted rapper from Detroit, gaining attention with her 2016 breakout single “Run Me My Money.” Since then, she has become a rising artist in the hip-hop and rap scenes, beloved for her soulful tone and catchy hooks. With stand-out tracks such as the hook-heavy “Ice Me Out,” her audience grows steadily.
Her music often references her hometown of Detroit, making personal connections between art and reality. But Kash Doll’s success isn’t limited to music alone. She has been featured in New York Fashion Week. Plus, the runway shows with legendary designer Junya Watanabe, representing the city of Detroit on an international stage.
Kash Doll has a reported net worth of $2 million, making her one of the richest female rappers in the world. Her ambition and fearless attitude toward success inspire all who come across her work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an American Music Award?
A: The American Music Awards (AMAs) is an annual awards show celebrating musical artists and achievements from the previous year. It is considered America’s premier music awards show. It recognize artists in a variety of genres, including pop, rock, country, R&B/hip-hop, and more. Fan votes determine winners. Established in 1973, the AMAs is one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious music awards shows.
Q: Who is the richest male rapper in the world?
A: As of 2023, the richest male rapper in the world is Jay Z. His estimated net worth is $1.3 billion. Jay Z has had an impressive career with his record label, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Tidal’s successful music streaming service. He’s also made numerous investments in the tech industry and real estate portfolio. Jay Z is one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time and continues to be an influential force in the music industry.
Q: Is Kanye West and Snoop Dogg related?
A: No, Kanye West and Snoop Dogg are not related. They have a shared history in the music industry, each being a highly influential rapper and producer. Over the years, they have collaborated on various projects and have been verbal-sparring partners in interviews. However, they are not directly related to one another.
Q: Which female rapper is the most influential?
A: Many female rappers have impacted the hip-hop industry and influenced their respective generations. Some of the most influential female rappers include MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj. These artists have disrupted the male-dominant music industry and paved the way for future female rappers.
Q: What are the other award-giving bodies for hip-hop?
A: Aside from the American Music Awards, numerous other award-giving bodies recognize achievements in rap and hip-hop. The Grammy Awards is an annual awards show that recognizes excellence in music, with categories specifically dedicated to rap and hip-hop. Other popular award shows include the BET Hip Hop Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the MTV Video Music Awards.
Final Words
The hip-hop industry is highly competitive, and success can take time to come by. To be successful in this field, you should focus on honing your craft, constantly improving your skills, and developing a unique style that will make you stand out from other artists.
It would be best if you also dedicate time to marketing yourself and building relationships with influencers in the industry. It’s important to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. You can succeed in hip-hop with patience, dedication, and ambition.